Why is 10,000 steps a day a myth in fighting neck, cervical, and back pains?

Conscious Employer, Healthy Employee

The modern work style relies on technology, which inevitably involves long hours spent at desks and computers. Working in such an environment often makes employees forget about the necessity of caring for their posture and health. Therefore, as an employer, you have a real influence on shaping the professional life and health of your employees. A good chair or a comfortable desk is just the first step towards improving work comfort. Your role in caring for employee health doesn't end with purchasing equipment but also includes implementing strategies that support their daily physical activity. Active work breaks are a component that supports health prevention and improves productivity, which, in the long run, can reduce costs associated with absenteeism and health issues.

Ergonomics is fundamental, but it's not everything

Ergonomics is a key element that affects work comfort. Optimal workstation setup, height-adjustable chairs, wrist rests, and the ability to adjust the desk height all help minimize the effects of sedentary work. However, the problem arises when even the best workstation doesn't change habits related to prolonged sitting. The human body is not adapted to sit for several hours without a break. That's why regular activities that engage other muscle groups than those used while sitting are so important. Thus, ergonomics is important, but only part of the health puzzle at work.

Why counting steps doesn't solve the problem?

Encouraging employees to engage in physical activity through pedometers and setting goals such as 10,000 steps a day is an initiative that undoubtedly promotes physical activity. However, merely taking 10,000 steps during the day doesn't address the health issues related to office work. Most people who take daily steps after work don't solve problems related to neck, back, or wrist strain caused by prolonged sitting. Furthermore, after a whole day of sitting, the body becomes stiff, and muscle tensions may deepen, even if post-work physical activities that do not fully relax the upper body muscles are performed. Therefore, counting steps is just one element that can support general activity but doesn't solve the health problems associated with office work.

FIXme – monitoring movement in real-time is not the same as watching a recording. Here, the employee is the focus!

FIXme is a tool that combines awareness of the need for physical activity with specific exercises designed for the needs of office workers. Instead of waiting until muscle tension and pain become intense enough to affect work performance, FIXme proposes short, regular breaks for exercises targeting specific body areas:

• Neck and shoulders – the most common areas of tension in office work that require gentle but effective stretching exercises.

• Upper spine – mobilizing the cervical and thoracic regions improves posture and reduces back pain.

• Wrists – relaxation and improved circulation in the wrists, which are particularly prone to strain when working on a computer.

• Lower back – exercises that strengthen the back and mobilize the spine help reduce back pain resulting from prolonged sitting.

  
  

Regular breaks (3-5-10 minutes) with appropriate exercises improve physical condition and reduce the risk of health problems before they become chronic.

Benefits for Employers and the Company

The implementation of active breaks at work is an investment that translates into numerous benefits for both employees and the organization:

1. Fewer sick leaves – back, neck, and wrist problems are some of the most common causes of work absence. Regular activities help reduce these ailments.

2. Higher efficiency – employees who regularly exercise feel better, which affects their concentration and overall performance. Improved physical health translates into improved work efficiency.

3. Greater engagement – taking care of employees' health builds a positive atmosphere within the company, increasing motivation and loyalty. Health initiatives make employees feel valued and recognized.

How to Implement Active Breaks in the Company?

FIXme is designed for easy integration into the daily work routine. The ability to synchronize with Google or Outlook calendars provides automatic reminders of breaks, allowing seamless incorporation into workdays. Exercise personalization ensures they are tailored to individual employee needs and the specific nature of work in a given company. Additionally, a motivational system based on gamification elements encourages regularity and engages employees in a pleasant and motivating way.

Take Comprehensive Care of Your Employees

Physical activity alone in the form of steps is not enough to ensure employees' health and comfort. Regular movement breaks are an integral part of caring for their health and productivity. By investing in active breaks, employers not only care for the well-being of their employees but also for the future of their organization. Physical activity becomes a key to success – both health-wise and business-wise.

Want to learn more about how FIXme can help your team? Contact us, and we'll show you how easy it is to implement active breaks in your company.